Air-brake for railway-cars.



No. 70l,25. Patented May '27, i902.

F. M. KREITZ.

AIR BRAKE FDR RAILWAY CARS.

(Application led Aug. 18, 1901.)

(Nuo Model.)

1HE Nonms Pszns on. surnomme., wAsNmsmM D c.

UNTTED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

FORREST M. KREITZ, OF SOUTII BETHLEHEM, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR TO WILLIAM N. MILLER AND VILLIAM J. BAU, OF SOUTH BETHLEI-IEM,

PENNSYLVANIA.

AIR-BRAKE FOR RAILWAY-CARS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 701,205, dated May 27, 1902.

Application filed August 19J 1901. Serial No. 72,617. (No model.)

T cir/ZZ whom, it may concern:

Be it known that I, FoRREsT M. KREITZ, a citizen of the United States, residing at and whose post-office address is 637 Center street,

South Bethlehem,in the county of Northam pton and State of Pennsylvania, have invented new and useful Improvements in Air-Brakes for Railway-Cars, of which the following is a specification.

1o This invention relates to air-brakes for railway-cars and similar vehicles; and the primary object thereof is to provide a cheap, durable, and efficient coupling for thesupplypipes which will automatically close a valve I5 to prevent the escape of air in the event that the car becomes accidentally uncoupled.

Vith this obj ect in view the invention consists in certain novel parts and constructions of parts, all of which will be specifically dezo scribed hereinafter, defined in the appended claim, and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which-- Figure 1 is a side elevation of the ends of two'pipe-sections, being represented as proz 5 jecting from opposite ends of two cars or vehicles. Fig. 2 is a vertical longitudinal-sectional view through the connecting-coupling, and Fig. 3 is a similar view from one of `the secondary couplings. Fig. 4 is a side elevation of the end of one of the sections.

l and 2 designate the ends of two cars, respectively, to which the supply-pipes 3 and 4 are connected. Oppositelydisposed couplings 5 and 6 are connected to each pipe and 3 5 comprise two semisplierical members connected together by means of bolts 7, whereby a universal coupling is made to provide for the vibration and the varying positions of the cars. Y

8 and 9 designate the ends of the pipe-sections, which are closed except for registering apertures 10 and 11 at the top and bottom of the pipe-sections 8 and 9, respectively. The ends of these sections 8 and 9 are provided with parabolically and parallel curved walls 12 and 13, which rest one upon the other and normally bear against sliding pins 14 and 15, whichengage spring-controlled valves 16 and 17, respectively. These Valves are arranged above the apertures 10 and 1l and are adapt ed to close the same when the pressure of the pins is removed. This action only takes place when the ends are uncoupled. The end of each section is provided with a flat lip or projection 17 or 18, which feed in corresponding 55 recesses 19 and 20 in the ends of the respective sections, so that the liability of the same becoming detached will be minimized. To more securely fasten the ends, I provide spring-clips 21 and 22, one carried by each 6o coupling end and pivotally secured to yokes 23 and 24. The free endof each spring is secured to the opposite coupling member by means of a band or ring 25 or 26.

In the event of accident-as, for instance, 65 derailment of the trains-the ends of the pipesections are liable to become detached or uncoupled. In such an event the pins 14 and 15 would immediately slide loosely in their seats and permit the valves to be seated in 7c the apertures l0 and 11, thus closing the pipes effectually. If steam was caused to iiow through the pipes, the liability of the passengers becoming scalded or otherwise injured by escaping steam or hot water would be materially reduced. Of course it is also obvious that after the pipes are uncoupled manuallyas, for instance, standing in the yards or at the station-the automatic operation of the spring-controlled valves will also be effected. 8o

It will thus be seen that the operation of the coupling will at all times be automatic and that there is but small chance that the same will fail to properly perform the functions for which it is designed.

'In the foregoing description I have shown the preferred form of myinvention; butI do not limit myself thereto, as I am aware that modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit or sacrificing the ad- 9o vantages thereof, and I therefore reserve the right to make all such changes as fairly fall within the scope of my invention.

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim, and desire to secure by Letters 9 5I Patent, is

In a device of the character described, the combination of two pipes formed at their ends with projecting lips and adjacent recesses to a spring pivotally carried by each yoke, and receive the former, said pipes adapted to rest clips for engaging the springs. 1o one upon the other and having curved inner In testimony whereof I afx my signature walls with registering apertures therein, pins in presence of two witnesses.

loosely lmounted in the said inner Walls ad- FORREST M. KREITZ. jacent the said apertures, and held unseated Witnesses: by the pipes, the inner surfaces of which nor- HENRY KRAUSKOPF,

mally bear thereagainst, yokes on the pipes, 1 W. J. BAU. 

